IHN, Thursday August 7, 2014

Overnight hosts Sara and John are early risers and made sure Lee and her family were "up and at 'em" this morning.

Tommy was the van driver and had the privilege of taking Kawani for his first day at Downtown Academy.  And of course took the others too.

Sara did the laundry--she always does double duty when she spends the night...thanks so much!  Every task is important during the host week.

David was the On-Site coordinator.  He got fresh linen on the host beds, unlocked the doors and welcomed the volunteers.  He said that Kawani had a good first day of kindergarten!  Lee had said he was very eager to begin.

What a day this was--first day of kindergarten for Lee's oldest and first birthday for her youngest, Zanora.

Jayne was the afternoon van driver for the fourth day in a row (super!) and I know she was happy to wish Zanora happy first birthday.  She's enjoy being around a baby this week!

Carol B and Carol R were the evening hosts.  They got everything set up for the birthday celebration!
Heidi and Al brought dinner, wonderful lasagna (which was on the guest wish list) along with delicious bread and tomato and cucumber slices. AND...Birthday Cake and Ice Cream!

The table had a festive birthday cloth and was adorned with birthday hats.  Bob and Mary are the overnight hosts and he brought his guitar.  There was singing, gifts for all three children--a real joyous birthday evening!  All the children received books.

Carol took some great photos but I am not clever enough to include them here.  :(
Imagine a precious, pretty little face with icing all over it:  forehead, nose, cheeks, chin and of course around her mouth!  As David said "she enjoyed her birthday with all her senses".

What a treat for Lee and her family and our volunteers to celebrate together.  About a year ago we had a birthday cake for a boy who was about 11.  As we were lighting the candles his older brother and mother were in the kitchen and said it was the first time they'd had a birthday cake in five years!  We take so much for granted.  THANKS to all who made Zanora's first birthday fun and happy for her, her Mother and her two older brothers.  I hope all her birthdays are at least this happy and filled with this much love and caring.

Sweet dream, God bless one and all.